NewsFlorian Wirtz interview: Man City preview, 'crazy' Anfield and his role for Liverpool

The Reds produced a superb display to beat Real 1-0 in the Champions League at Anfield in midweek, with Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header proving decisive.

That followed on from last Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Aston Villa and the Premier League champions now face one more game before the November international break: a trip to Etihad Stadium.

Wirtz told Liverpoolfc.com: “I think the game against Madrid really helps to get in the right energy and on the same level it will be on Sunday. I think it was a good test and we are ready to compete again.

“I think we had the right mentality from the start. We were good in the duels and bringing enough effort on the pitch to compete with Madrid and I think that was the key: that we were really competing on a really high level and it was good that we could bring a good performance on the pitch.

“I spoke of course to my teammates and they told me that it will be a tough game because they [City] keep the ball a lot and you have to run a lot.

“I think they are in a good moment and we are back also, and I think it will be a good game. We have to use our chances and to have a good plan for the game.”

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Back-to-back victories and clean sheets have lifted Liverpool following a difficult sequence of results, with Wirtz adding: “I think it was very important also for our group, also for the whole club, for the atmosphere, also in the stadium.

“We are really happy that we could win two times now and hopefully another time on the weekend, then going with a good feeling into the international break.

“I have to say, I think against Madrid now it was the craziest atmosphere since I am here. I really enjoyed it, how the fans celebrated every action we did, and very thankful that they supported us like this. [I am] looking forward to more nights like this.”

Wirtz started on the left of the Reds’ front three versus Real and was a relentless and creative presence.

The No.7 said: “I just enjoyed to play first of all because I wasn’t sure if I would play, so I was happy that I could play. I just take the position the manager wants me to play.

“Of course I am familiar with this position but I can also play just in the middle, in the 10 or on the left, and I just try to always give my best and to be important for the team.

“I think I have already a good connection with my teammates on the pitch. Of course the numbers are not there now but I just try to give my best every game – that’s what I always do – and I’m happy that I can create some chances.

“Hopefully in the next weeks and months we can score more but I am just trying to help the team with my strengths.”